10 Things to Do in Auckland in July

Auckland is internationally known for being a city full of excitement and beautiful scenery. Every year, a huge number of tourists decide to visit the attractions of this coastal area of New Zealand. In July, the variety of activities that can be done in the city make it one of the most popular destinations for visitors.

Are you planning to visit New Zealand's winter? If so, take into account some of these recommendations in one of the most beautiful seasons of the year.

Of course, it is the middle of winter, so taking a dip in the sea is not going to be a good idea. However, Auckland has some of the most beautiful beaches in New Zealand, so you will fall in love with the scenery anyway. So don't hesitate and book a tour of the beaches and rainforest.

In addition to the tranquility that always comes with being close to the water, at beaches like Takapuna, Karekare and Piha you will find everything you need to have a day of relaxation and connection with the environment around you. The size of the waves is a spectacle that deserves to be seen at any time of the year.

On the other hand, most of the beaches have camping areas, barbecue areas or a wide range of stores and bars overlooking the sea. Whatever your preference, you will be able to enjoy a unique afternoon by the sea.

If you visit Auckland in July, you will be lucky enough to be able to book a whale and dolphin watching cruise off the coast of the city. Of course, there are different tour companies that offer cruises from Auckland, but at this time of the year I recommend you to choose one that includes this unique and valuable experience.

Among the species you may encounter during the tour are bottlenose dolphins, as well as spotted dolphins and huge humpback whales. The whale watching season in Auckland usually runs from May to October, making July an ideal month to encounter these unique species.

Although many of the tours usually provide the necessary equipment, don't forget that it is the middle of winter, so you should dress warmly.

Among the best museums in Auckland is undoubtedly the one known as the Auckland War Memorial Museum. It is located in a beautiful public park in the heart of the city. Each year, it offers a large number of exhibitions and options for all ages, with special attention to the month of July by the number of visitors it receives.

For those who prefer more urban plans, and escape a little of the excess of tourists, the Auckland Museum is a must stop. Throughout its halls, you can observe all the culture and history of New Zealand, whether its wildlife as the stage of European colonization to the present day.

One of the exhibits that you can not miss on this visit is the collection of Maori objects, which allow us to reconstruct life dozens of centuries ago, as well as learn more about the rich customs of New Zealand. It is also a great plan if the rain appears during the days you are in the city, as well as booking your tickets for the Kelly Tarlton Aquarium and spend a few hours watching the incredible marine life.

Practical Information

• Address: Parnell, Auckland 1010.
• Hours: 9 am to 5 pm.
• Price: from about 16 € per person.

If you are going to be 3 days in Auckland and want to do some physical activity and see the best landscapes, the city offers a lot of parks and nature reserves for you to know. In the month of July, in particular, you can enjoy beautiful landscapes.

Some of the alternatives to choose from are:

• Hunua Ranges Regional Park on the east coast.
• Waitakere Ranges Regional Park on the west coast. In both, it is possible to make beautiful trekking walks, bike rides or get lost in its flora and fauna.

However, if you choose these activities, you should always be mindful of respecting the natural environment and wildlife of the area. Each Regional Park has its own rules to follow, which you should know perfectly so that your visit is environmentally friendly.

Undoubtedly, the Sky Tower is one of the most emblematic icons of this city and you can certainly see it from the outside if you book a guided tour of Auckland. But the ideal is to go up and enjoy the views, which in July are also impressive because of the snow, thus capturing a dream postcard.

The interesting thing about this place is that you can both climb to the top and be entertained with everything that happens at its base: live music, the best drinks and dishes, as well as an exciting and fun ice skating rink (something that makes it one of the best things to do in winter in Auckland).

As I said, this is one of the most popular areas of Auckland, so you should not miss it under any circumstances. Of course, you may have to wait in line, but it is really worth the wait and you can combine it with a guided tour of the city.

Practical information

• Address: Corner Victoria and Federal Streets.
• Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 9:30 am to 6 pm, and Wednesday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 8 pm.
• Price: from approximately 20 €.

As it could not be otherwise, you should take advantage of the time of the year to visit one of the most important and interesting events in Auckland during the month of July. This festival extends throughout the month and it is possible to enjoy concerts, plays and art exhibitions.

The Auckland Winter Festival also offers an important gastronomic fair, which is ideal for combining the best international dishes with those of the region. With offers for all tastes, you will be able to spend a pleasant time in a lively atmosphere and is perfect to combine with a gastronomic tour of the city.

You can find the complete program of each edition on the official tourism website of the city of Auckland, as well as in various information and tourist portals. Keep in mind that, as it is a very crowded event, it is advisable to plan in advance what you want to see.

Practical information

• Where: Auckland Botanic Gardens and Te Atatu Community Centre.
• Price: depends on the events you want to attend.

If you want to get a taste of the local customs, nothing better than visiting theGerman Winter Market in the city during the month of July. Whether you're looking for the best of New Zealand cuisine or locally made crafts and clothing, this market is a must-see.

As it usually happens in many European markets, this proposal in Auckland also focuses on the sale of fresh seasonal products. Thus, in addition to seasonal fruits and vegetables, we will be able to taste the best wines of the country, as well as its cheeses or regional products such as honey. All produced and grown locally.

If you have a long list of gifts to bring to your family and loved ones, you can take the opportunity to find a beautiful variety of handicrafts and souvenirs that will be produced by locals. Jewelry, clothing, decorative items and much more will be available to make us look good with our friends.

Practical information

• Address: Green Bay Community House (1 Barron Drive, Green Bay).
• Dates: late July.
• Price: free admission.

Although there are several options for tours from Auckland, if you want to make the most of winter and you like to ski, then you'll probably swap the beach for Mount Ruapehu. It is worth noting that it is excellently connected to the city, making it a very popular destination in July for all people who love winter sports.

Mount Ruapehu has two large ski resorts that offer panoramic views out of a painting and where it is possible to rent equipment and give ski lessons if you need them:

• Whakapapa: The largest in all of New Zealand, offering a variety of slopes for all levels and tastes: experts, beginners, intermediates, variety of styles and more.
• Turoa.

Finally, you will also find different types of winter sports, such as the famous sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing or snowboarding. If sports are not your thing, you can always enjoy a more relaxed experience on the Whakapapa cable car.

When we talk about Auckland we are talking about one of the cities with the biggest music scene in the world. In the month of July, the live concert schedule is more than ample, so you will surely be able to coincide in your stay with top artists.

As I said before, this New Zealand city is one of the most cosmopolitan in the world, so you will be able to enjoy different musical genres as proposals: from large outdoor festivals to the intimate atmosphere of a bar or a jazz hall.

If you like big events, then in July you will probably find the popular Winter Festival and also the more than interesting Matariki Festival with connection to the sky and the stars. Both are characterized by an eclectic line up of artists and a festive atmosphere with thousands of people.

Finally, taking advantage of the winter season, you will be able to enjoy all the movement of the city center and its beautiful outdoor ice rink in Aotea Square. Whether you are traveling with your partner, friends or family, everyone will be able to have fun with this proposal.

You don't have to be a skilled skater to have a good time at this ice rink. In addition, you will have a complete proposal of visual effects and live music that will generate a unique atmosphere.

It is also possible to find local drinks and food around the rink to recover some energy.

The weather in Auckland, New Zealand's largest city, is characterized by being humid and warm. In winter, you will be able to find quite pleasant temperatures for the season, far from other harsh winters in other parts of the world. Ideal to enjoy everything you can do in Auckland. In fact, the minimum temperatures range between 10 and 12 degrees Celsius.

However, it is likely that you will experience long rainy days during your visit, as it is the most unstable weather season in the city. On the other hand, if you move away from the city, temperatures can drop sharply, as in the case of visits for skiing or dolphin and whale watching. In short, it is advisable to bring warm clothes and rain gear for your visit to Auckland in July.